Annual Gifts

If you wish to become a member, you may chose to give your gift to any of our programs. The Black Bear Club General and Scholarship accounts are great ways to show support for all of Maine athletics. To join the Black Bear Club, please give on-line or contact our office at 732.932.7629 to speak with a Black Bear Representative.

Cash Gifts: Gifts of cash are the most common form of donations. Cash and checks are recorded and acknowledged through the Black Bear Club. Checks should be made out to the Black Bear Club.

Credit Cards: Making a donation by credit card is one of the most convenient and quick ways to join the Black Bear Club.

Gifts In Kind: Rather than a monetary gift, the Black Bear Club will accept certain gifts such as office equipment and supplies. These types of contributions allow the Black Bear Club to offset expenses while providing support for Maine athletics. Gifts such as these are acknowledged and the donor receives Black Bear Club credit as well as the tax deduction.

Payroll Deduction: All employees of Maine University have the benefit of payroll deduction. Payroll deduction is a quick and easy way to make your annual gift to Maine Athletics. All you have to do is fill out a form and your gift will be withdrawn from your paycheck throughout the year. You'll never forget to make the gift and you don't have to worry about writing a check or paying credit card fees.

Matching Gifts: Many corporations will match a gift made to the Black Bear Club. Your gift to Maine may be matched or even doubled by your employer. Matching gift forms may be obtained through your employer (usually the human resources or personnel offices) and should be submitted with your contribution. The Black Bear Club may be of assistance regarding questions concerning matching gift companies.

Gifts of Stock: You may want to consider using stock instead of cash to make a gift to Maine. If stock you have owned for more than one year has appreciated in value since you first acquired it, you can donate it directly to Maine instead of selling it yourself. You can avoid a hefty capital gains tax AND you can receive an income tax charitable deduction based on the market value of the stock on the day you donate it.